Outrage sign former English Premiership player

Story courtesy TKO Public Relations

Kalamazoo, MI (April 30, 2008) - The Kalamazoo Outrage PDL side have announced, pending USL/PDL approval, the signing of 4 international players to complete their 2008 roster. These signings are highlighted by former English Premiership player Mark Briggs. English Midfielder Briggs will be joined by Australian defender Yahaya Musa, Antiguan International striker Troy Mellanson and defender Mahamadou Simpara who hails from the African nation of Mali.

The signing of the experienced quartet pleased PDL Head Coach Stu Riddle as his side close in on their debut season in the United Soccer League's Premier Development League "All four players offer exactly what we need, great ability, tremendous attitudes and most importantly bucket loads of experience. The pressure will be on these guys to be big players in what we are trying to achieve and I am confident they will perform above my high expectation level"

Briggs-26 boasts an impressive resume. During 2 seasons with English side West Bromwich Albion he made 8 first team appearances for the Premiership side before signing with Danish Superliga side Herfolge Bodlklub. With Boldklub Briggs scored 12 times in 55 games over a 2 season period before he returned to the UK to have stints with Notts County and most recently Shrewsbury Town. Speaking from his Wolverhampton home Briggs said he was chomping at the bit to get going with the Outrage. "I'm looking forward to my experience in America with Kalamazoo Outrage, I hope with my experience to add quality to the squad and pass on my experience to the younger players. I want to win things and all being well progressing myself to the highest level possible in America whether that be the USL or the MLS. I can't wait to work with Stu and the rest of the coaching staff in what will be a successful season".

Antigua national team star Mellanson-26, chose the Outrage over a professional contract offer and is confident his decision will pay off "I am very pleased to have the opportunity to play with the Kalamazoo Outrage. The talent on this year’s squad is outstanding and I hope to add too that talent. I am also hoping to learn from the coaching staff so I can take my game to the next level either here in the United States or somewhere in Europe". Mellanson has 4 caps for his national team and is expected to be in the line up for Antigua when they play Cuba on June 10 in a World Cup qualifying match. In 2005 he was named an NAIA All American while playing for Indiana Wesleyan College.

Musa-22 and Simpara-24 both enjoyed outstanding careers with New York based Stony Brook University and both were looking forward to taking their game to the next level now that they are out of college "I feel that the ambitions of Stu match mine and that is why I feel this is the right team for me to be playing on. The link that Kalamazoo has to Sheffield Wednesday is also very appealing as they are a recognized team. I look forward to winning and continuing to grow as a player with Kalamazoo this summer" commented Musa who was twice named to the America East Conference first team. Musa has previously turned out for PDL side Ft Wayne Fever. Simpara echoed his compatriots thoughts "I believe this is going to be a great season including a great coaching team. I will play my best to help the team accomplish its goals. I am looking forward playing top level soccer and this is a great chance to prove myself". In 2007 Simpara was recognized by the America East Conference as an all conference selection and has previously played in the PDL with the Brooklyn Knights.

Riddle feels all 4 players have the ability to go on to the next level "I expect these lads to be with me for the 2008 season and then move on to professional teams. They're all coming here to impress and win and if they do that they will get the chance higher up the soccer ladder".

Fans in Kalamazoo can get their first glimpse of the Kalamazoo Outrage on Sunday, May 4 when they host Club Guanajuato, a local Latino Select side. The match will kick off at 3pm at Mayors Riverfront Stadium in downtown Kalamazoo and will be open to the public free of charge.